Music Therapy

What is Music Therapy?

While music is an enjoyable event in our daily lives, in the hands of a trained therapist it has proven to be a potent tool. Music therapy is the controlled use of elements and influences of music to meet the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the client.

Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems. Please visit www.musictherapy.org for more information on Music Therapy.

How does it work?

The multidimensional qualities of music allow it to touch many levels of consciousness. Music can act as a catalyst to bring about: relaxation, personal expressions and growth, physical and mental stimulation, comfort and affirmation.

Music Therapy can help our clients and families by:

Reducing the perception of pain
Reducing anxiety and depression
Promoting muscular relaxation
Facilitating physical participation in activities to the degree possible
Reinforcing identity and self-concept
Helping to recall past significant events
Providing nonverbal means of self-expression
Reinforcing family ties and interaction
Providing a link to the patient's life before the illness

Janet Buck, MT-BC

Janet Buck earned her BA in Music Education from Weber State University and a BA in Music Therapy from Colorado State University completing her Music Therapy Internship at Hospice of Larimer County. She became Board Certified and a HLC employee in 2001, adding a second Music Therapist to our staff. Janet is also a qualified Clinical Trainer, adding her expertise to the internship program at HLC.


Laura E. Beer, MA, ACMT, NRMT

Laura Beer received her Masters degree in Music Therapy from New York University. She was also a founding member of the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, and was trained by Clive and Carol Robbins in the Creative Music Therapy approach to become a trainer and supervisor in this approach. She received a Level II certification in Clinical Improvisation before moving to Colorado. Laura has 22 years experience as a clinician and educator, and has worked in many different settings, from preschool classes to private practice with autistic children to nursing homes and more. Before joining the Hospice team she was a professor in Naropa University's Masters level program in Music Therapy for 14 years.

Music Therapy Clinical Training Program - Internship

One intern will be accepted per six-month training session. Training dates are January through June and July through December. You may apply within a year of the desired start date. Preference will be given to Master's candidates or Bachelor candidates with clinical experience and proven self-direction.

A forty-hour work week will be observed, with vacation and sick leave granted according to Hospice of Larimer County personnel policies.

Components of the internship program include:

• Orientation
• Observation
• Co-leading and leading music therapy sessions
• Provisions for records and progress notes
• Staff and inservice meetings
• Provisions for intern self-awareness and professional growth
• Provisions for observing intern sessions and giving constructive feedback
• Supervision
• Administrative skills
• Provisions for special requirements including a research project or special project of the intern's choice related to Hospice

Reports to:
Certified Music Therpist, BC, ACMT, CMT, or RMT

Basic Responsibilities:
To provide continuity of support services for the client and family members involved, in all settings and within the realm of the multi-disciplinary team approach and philosophy of Hospice of Larimer County.

Activities:

• Attend new employee training session to develop understanding of Hospice of Larimer County's approach and philosophy towards patient/client care.
• Identifies and utilizes variety of resource materials available including ongoing review of Policies and Procedures Manual for Music Therapy.
• Plans with supervisor personal goals, objectives and expectations for internship experience.
• Participates in weekly supervisory meeting with supervisor; meetings include discussion of intern's progress, problems and overall accomplishments to date.
• Provides emotional support and supportive services to client/family in need, as appropriate and directed by Hospice staff.
• Provides bereavement support as needed to client/family after death occurs for the individual or family members, which may include performance at clients funeral.
• Maintains close communication with team members providing accurate/timely information regarding client's care and documentation of all client/family contacts.
• Provides assistance to supervisor as needed or requested.
• Attends Hospice meetings supervisor feels are pertinent and as schedules allows.

Qualifications:

• Completed undergraduate or equivalency Music Therapy program.
• Demonstrate skills and sensitivities to aid and assist clients/families through stressful situations.
• Understands and agrees to uphold all professional ethics and requirements when working as a representative of Hospice of Larimer County.

Stipend/Transportation:
A stipend of $1,000 will be offered for the six-month internship. A personal car is necessary to visit clients and mileage is paid at the current IRS rate.

Application Deadlines:
Applications for internships beginning in the summer are due by the end of February. Applications for the winter interships are due by the end of August.

A personal interview is desired. For more information, please call or write:

Laura E. Beer, MA, ACMT, NRMT
Clinical Training Director
Hospice of Larimer County
305 Carpenter Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970/663-3500
laura.beer@hlchospice.org

Download Music Therapy Intern Application Here